Treatments
What kind of back pain is chiropractic treatment effective for?
- Automobile accidents (personal injury)
- Work injuries (including poor office ergonomics)
- Sports injuries
- Improper lifting
- Repetitive motion (prolonged activity at a computer terminal)
- Pain from household chores (gardening)
- Pain from poor posture
- Biomechanical problems
- Scoliosis and other congenital problems
- Stress-related back pain
Are all patients spines adjusted the same way?
The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations for spinal adjustment and manipulation are based upon the patient's case history.
Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice that their chiropractic care and adjustments are delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the previous one. Although many visits may seem similar, each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.
Can I adjust myself?
Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is fundamentally impossible to adjust oneself.
It is possible to turn, bend or twist in a certain direction to create a "popping" sound. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making the pain eventually increase. The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain spinal function.
Can I speed the healing process?
While there aren't any shortcuts to speed your recovery, there is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance at a quick recovery from spinal problems.
Learning proper sitting and lifting methods can prevent unnecessary strain on your spine. Specific exercises may be given to help restrain the muscles that support your spine. Proper rest is also an important aspect of the healing process. Getting the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoiding sleeping on your stomach can be very beneficial.
During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals, and if you're overweight, slimming down will also help reduce unnecessary stresses on your spine.
Why do children need chiropractic care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for subluxations. As their children grow, childhood activities (like learning to walk or ride a bicycle) can cause spinal problems. Although many fix a fall with a bandage, there still remains unseen injury that should be treated by a doctor.
Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many health complaints that adults experience.
Naturally, chiropractic adjusting treatments are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.
Spinal Adjustment
A spinal adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones to gradually move to the normal position. The purpose of this chiropractic procedure is for improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and overall improved health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some spinal adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the variety of spinal adjustment procedures, and spinal manipulation.
How long will I need chiropractic care?
Spinal problems neglected since early childhood may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.
Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in optimal shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive care is helpful in the maintenance of good health.
Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their pain becomes unbearable. When this style of "crisis management" is used, their treatment is often more costly and time-consuming. It is my job as a chiropractor to treat every patient, regardless of his or her health goals.
How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
Save time by arriving ready for your appointment. Download "New Patient", "Personal Injury" or "Workman's Comp." questionnaires now.
lnk